Took about 10 days to arrive - slower than anticipated. Effectively the top finger hole is missing. Thumb hole on back is in normal position. There are 2 finger holes which you would normally cover...Alison, North Wales on 14/02/2018

The John Packer JP331 Rath tenor Bb/F trombone is the flagship tenor instrument from this manufacturer. The design and manufacture is under the strict and expert guidance of Micheal Rath who is one of the UKs leading trombone specialists. One of the primary innovations of this model is that a custom designed leadpipe - known as the Rath for obvious reasons - has been incorporated into the overall design which gives excellent response across all registers as well as retaining support for the progressing student.

At this price, the JP331 offers wonderful overall design and craftsmanship. As well as the Rath lead pipe the instrument has an ergonomic thumb lever which is easy to adjust, the closed-wrap design and counterweight offer excellent balance which means that even younger players can maintiain posture beyond 4th position.

The instrument has a medium large bore and an 8'' bell for brilliant sound projection and high grade brass is used in construction throughout which enables a lovely, warm tone quality. This is an instrument which is priced well and is gaining something of a reputation within the brass playing world!

The instrument is supplied with a JP mouthpiece and a nicely made case which is robust, lightweight and has backpack straps and accessory pockets.